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Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Map Shows Countries in Europe Easiest for Americans to Get Dual Citizenship
Nearly a dozen European countries allow relatively easy dual citizenship but with different legal guidelines, some requiring ancestry, others residency for a specific time. More Americans, due to economic uncertainties and political animosities, are looking at dual citizenship as a fallback. Young people are leading the charge. Sixty-three percent of Gen Zers and 52 percent of millennials are considering moving abroad, according to a recent survey by Harris Poll. It also found that four in ten U.S. adults (42 percent) have considered or plan to relocate outside the country to improve their quality of life or financial position. Dual citizenship across Europe mostly breaks down in one of two main categories: ancestry, and how long one has lived in a country. The following countries offer relatively easy dual citizenship if you can prove ancestry: As of March 28, 2025, Italy tightened its citizenship laws and eligibility is now limited to individuals with a parent or grandparent born in must also demonstrate a genuine connection to Italy, such as language proficiency, residency, or active community change excludes those claiming citizenship through great-grandparents or more distant ancestors. You can claim citizenship if a parent or grandparent was born in registration with the Foreign Births Minister for Justice can waive some of the conditions of becoming an Irish citizen where the applicant is of Irish descent or language or residency citizenship fully based on descent from an Irish citizen going further back than a great-grandparent are generally refused. Citizenship possible if you can trace lineage to Polish citizens (even pre-WWII), meaning that if you have a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent who was a Polish citizen, you may be eligible for Polish citizenship by descent-which also grants European Union (EU) but no residency citizenship is accepted. If you have Hungarian ancestry, notably from the Austro-Hungarian Empire basic Hungarian language need to live in Hungary. For those without ancestry, the following nations offer quicker or simpler paths via residency. Only five years of legal residency of the fastest and most flexible paths in Western dual options like the investment-based Golden Visa. Usually 10 years of residency, but only two years for people from Latin America, the Philippines, or with Sephardic Jewish dual citizenship with these language requirement. Citizenship possible after five years of residency (two years if you studied in France).Dual citizenship requirements remain but France has introduced stricter language proficiency requirements. As of 2025, applicants must demonstrate a B2 level of French proficiency, up from the previous B1 level. Integration into French society continues to be assessed. For those who can afford it, Austria offers "citizenship by investment." Allows citizenship by investment under exceptional formal program; typically €2-3 citizenship granted in select cases with government approval. Some countries only allow dual citizenship in certain circumstances: Bulgaria allows dual citizenship only for individuals born to Bulgarian parents, or to those who lost Bulgarian citizenship involuntarily. Exceptions apply for those who hold citizenship of a country that prohibits dual citizenship, or has not concluded a relevant agreement with Estonia. As of May 28, 2025, Germany revised its citizenship laws. It abolished a previously expedited naturalization process that allowed citizenship after three years of residency, returning the minimum residency requirement to five years. Additionally, stricter requirements have been introduced, including financial independence, stable employment, and strong language proficiency. Related Articles US Citizen Arrested for Attempted Firebombing Attack on Embassy in IsraelWhy Dual Citizenship Is The New American DreamAmerican Stuck in Ukraine Because of Ban on Military-Age Men Leaving CountryNikki Haley Tells Olympic Skier Eileen Gu She Can't Be American and Chinese 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Map Shows Countries in Europe Easiest for Americans to Get Dual Citizenship
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Over a dozen European countries allow dual citizenship but with different legal guidelines, some requiring ancestry, others residency for a specific time. Why It Matters More Americans, due to economic uncertainties and political animosities, are looking at dual citizenship as a fallback. Young people are leading the charge. Sixty-three percent of Gen Zers and 52 percent of millennials are considering moving abroad, according to a recent survey by Harris Poll. It also found that four in ten U.S. adults (42 percent) have considered or plan to relocate outside the country to improve their quality of life or financial position. 17 European countries allow dual citizenship in some form. 17 European countries allow dual citizenship in some form. Flourish What To Know Dual citizenship across Europe mostly breaks down in one of two main categories: ancestry, and how long one has lived in a country. The following countries offer relatively easy dual citizenship if you can prove ancestry: Italy As of March 28, 2025, Italy tightened its citizenship laws and eligibility is now limited to individuals with a parent or grandparent born in Italy. Applicants must also demonstrate a genuine connection to Italy, such as language proficiency, residency, or active community engagement. This change excludes those claiming citizenship through great-grandparents or more distant ancestors. Ireland You can claim citizenship if a parent or grandparent was born in Ireland. Straightforward registration with the Foreign Births Register. The Minister for Justice can waive some of the conditions of becoming an Irish citizen where the applicant is of Irish descent or association. No language or residency requirements. Dual citizenship fully allowed. Applications based on descent from an Irish citizen going further back than a great-grandparent are generally refused. Poland Citizenship possible if you can trace lineage to Polish citizens (even pre-WWII), meaning that if you have a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent who was a Polish citizen, you may be eligible for Polish citizenship by descent—which also grants European Union (EU) citizenship. Documentation-heavy but no residency requirement. Dual citizenship is accepted. Hungary If you have Hungarian ancestry, notably from the Austro-Hungarian Empire era. Requires basic Hungarian language skills. No need to live in Hungary. For those without ancestry, the following nations offer quicker or simpler paths via residency. Portugal Only five years of legal residency required. One of the fastest and most flexible paths in Western Europe. Allows dual citizenship. Offers options like the investment-based Golden Visa. Spain Usually 10 years of residency, but only two years for people from Latin America, the Philippines, or with Sephardic Jewish heritage. Allows dual citizenship with these countries. Spanish language requirement. France Citizenship possible after five years of residency (two years if you studied in France). Dual citizenship allowed. Resident requirements remain but France has introduced stricter language proficiency requirements. As of 2025, applicants must demonstrate a B2 level of French proficiency, up from the previous B1 level. Integration into French society continues to be assessed. Three passports from Canada, Italy and the United States of America are shown. Three passports from Canada, Italy and the United States of America are shown. Getty Images For those who can afford it, Austria offers "citizenship by investment." Austria Allows citizenship by investment under exceptional contribution. No formal program; typically €2—3 million. Dual citizenship granted in select cases with government approval. Some countries only allow dual citizenship in certain circumstances: Bulgaria Bulgaria allows dual citizenship only for individuals born to Bulgarian parents, or to those who lost Bulgarian citizenship involuntarily. Estonia Exceptions apply for those who hold citizenship of a country that prohibits dual citizenship, or has not concluded a relevant agreement with Estonia. Germany As of May 28, 2025, Germany revised its citizenship laws. It abolished a previously expedited naturalization process that allowed citizenship after three years of residency, returning the minimum residency requirement to five years. Additionally, stricter requirements have been introduced, including financial independence, stable employment, and strong language proficiency.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
The Coolest Trends And Innovations In Produce Preservation
Because fruits and vegetables are among the most commonly wasted foods, often spoiling before ... More they're eaten, improving produce preservation is a critical strategy for cutting food waste and reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change. As food prices rise and environmental concerns deepen, keeping fruits and vegetables fresher for longer is becoming a global priority for consumers. Produce preservation is a powerful tool in the fight against food waste and the climate crisis, helping to reduce emissions, conserve resources, and keep fresh, nutritious food out of landfills and on our plates. By some estimates, nearly 40% of food produced globally is never eaten. Fruits and vegetables account for the highest portion of this waste due to their perishability. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, food waste is responsible for 8–10% of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. If it were a country, food waste would rank as the third-largest emitter in the world, behind only China and the United States. Against this backdrop, food preservation has become a climate, economic, and public health imperative. A Harris Poll conducted in the U.S. found that 88% of Americans consider reducing food waste important. And according to Innova Market Insights, 39% of consumers globally now rank planetary health as their top concern. These days, shoppers are increasingly drawn to smart packaging that keeps their food fresh for longer. According to Innova's 2023 Packaging Survey, people are most willing to spend extra on packaging that not only helps protect the planet, but also keeps food from spoiling too quickly, making it a powerful way to cut down on food waste. At the same time, growing concerns about chemical preservatives and heavily processed foods— both for health and environmental reasons— are pushing the food industry to explore cleaner, more sustainable preservation solutions. A growing number of startups and established companies are developing more sustainable tools that help fruits and vegetables last longer, from air purification systems to smart humidity control. Here's a look at some of the innovations making a difference. Foods that are most ethylene-sensitive, like bananas, tend to ripen, age, or spoil more quickly when ... More exposed to ethylene gas. Ethylene, a naturally occurring gas released by fruits like apples, avocados, bananas, and peaches, acts as a ripening agent and can accelerate spoilage of nearby vegetables. Ozone, volatile organic compounds, and microbial particles also contribute to food degradation. For this reason, indoor air quality is a key factor in produce preservation. 'Air quality directly impacts the longevity of fresh produce,' says Trent Thiel, Global Product Manager of Molecular Contamination Control at Camfil, a global manufacturer of air filtration and clean air solutions. By filtering out ethylene gas, ozone, and airborne microbes, clean air solutions can significantly extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. Camfil's CamPure 8, for example, is designed to target ethylene and other oxidizing gases that accelerate ripening and spoilage. 'When you remove ethylene from the environment, you slow down the aging process of produce. That means less shrinkage, fewer losses, and better quality for longer,' Thiel explains. The 2024 Camfil Sustainability Report points out that 99% of the air that humans breathe doesn't meet World Health Organization standards. 'Dirty air isn't just an environmental or public health issue… it's a food systems issue, too,' says Thiel. Who knew that a sexy kitchen gadget could have the word ethylene in it? The global ethylene absorber market is projected to grow from $12.77 billion in 2024 to over $48 billion by 2033, according to IMARC Group, reflecting increasing demand from both commercial and consumer markets. Smaller-scale ethylene absorbers are starting to make their mark in home kitchens. The Bluapple Produce Saver, for instance, is a glossy, refillable, non-toxic blue sphere that quietly soaks up ethylene gas in your fridge, fruit bowl, or pantry. The company claims it can keep produce fresh two to three times longer, helping consumers reduce food waste without lifting a finger. The Bluapple Produce Saver soaks up ethylene gas in your fridge, fruit bowl, or pantry. Even major appliance brands are getting in on the action. Refrigerators like the Bosch B36CL80SNS and Frigidaire Gallery GRSC2352AF now come with built-in ethylene filters because the air around your produce matters just as much as the produce itself. Vacuum packaging is effective for produce preservation because it removes oxygen, slowing down the ... More growth of spoilage-causing microbes and oxidation that leads to wilting and decay. When it comes to food spoilage, oxygen is the silent saboteur. It triggers oxidation, dulls color and flavor, and fuels the growth of mold and bacteria. Vacuum sealing offers a precise way to manage that risk. Devices like the FoodSaver vacuum sealer use automatic technology to remove air from custom-designed bags, locking in freshness with a tight, sensor-driven seal. The result? Food that stays fresh up to five times longer, with a serious reduction in freezer burn, spoilage, and waste. As these devices become more affordable and user-friendly— with features like automatic sealing and adjustable vacuum levels— vacuum sealing is emerging as one of the fastest-growing segments in food tech. According to Arizton Advisory & Intelligence, the U.S. vacuum sealer market was valued at $2.91 billion in 2023 and is on track to grow to $3.45 billion by 2029. Another standout innovation that provides an oxygen barrier without the use of plastic is Apeel— a plant-based, edible coating made from compounds found in the peels, seeds, and pulp of fruits and vegetables. By reinforcing the natural barrier that slows down oxidation and moisture loss, Apeel helps extend shelf life without the need for plastic packaging. According to Apeel Sciences, one truckload of cucumbers treated with Apeel and shipped without plastic wrap can eliminate the equivalent of roughly 100,000 plastic straws. Humid conditions in a fridge can cause produce to rot, especially if there's too much moisture and ... More poor airflow. When it comes to keeping produce crisp and vibrant, humidity is just as important as temperature. Leafy greens and herbs need a humid environment to stay perky, while ethylene-producing fruits, like apples and avocados, fare better in drier conditions. But it's a balancing act: too much moisture invites mold, too little and you're left with limp, shriveled leftovers. Bluapple's VeggieZips help to manage this delicate balance. The reusable produce bags come with adjustable vents and a HydroLiner insert, a cloth-like layer that can either add or absorb moisture depending on the needs of the item being stored. The bags are washable and designed for long-term use. Refrigerators are also getting smarter. Models like GE's Profile PVD28BYNFS now offer dual humidity zones and fine-tuned airflow systems with adjustable drawers for precise humidity regulation. Experts say the ideal fridge temperature lands between 32°F and 38°F— cool enough to extend shelf life, but gentle enough to protect delicate produce from frostbite. FreshPaper's plant-based botanicals inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause produce to ... More spoil. Bacteria and fungi are among the most common culprits in food decay, entering through bruises or openings and breaking down cell walls. They thrive in warm, damp environments, making refrigeration and air purification essential. Air filtration and sanitation technologies are key to microbial defense. 'High MERV-A rated filters such as MERV 14A or MERV16A, HEPA/ULPA filters and UV-C systems can trap or neutralize these spoilage organisms before they come into contact with food,' explains Thiel. One option for home kitchens is FreshPaper by The Freshglow Co.— biodegradable sheets infused with natural botanical extracts that help slow down spoilage. Simply placing a sheet in a produce drawer or container can extend freshness two to four times, according to the company. With nods from Oprah Magazine and Food & Wine, FreshPaper has earned a following for turning a simple idea into an effective tool against food waste. The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 12.3 aims to halve global food waste by 2030. Getting there will require a combination of awareness, innovation, and clean air strategies that extend the life of what we eat, before it ends up in the bin. While technology is playing a growing role, small behavioral changes at home remain important in produce preservation. Storing ethylene-producing fruits like apples and bananas away from sensitive vegetables, using paper towels to absorb moisture, and avoiding overcrowding in the fridge can all help extend shelf life.
Forbes
4 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Most Americans Want AI Decentralized, Not Controlled By Big Tech
Three-quarters of Americans agree that the transformative power of AI would benefit more people if ... More it wasn't consolidated in the hands of a few major players. Three out of four Americans believe decentralized AI is more likely to support innovation and societal progress than traditional, centralized AI models dominated by Big Tech, according to new polling data released by Digital Currency Group and The Harris Poll. The nationally representative survey of 2,036 U.S. adults – including registered voters and AI users – found strong bipartisan support for DeAI, signaling a notable public shift away from tech monopolies and toward open source, distributed alternatives. DeAI leverages blockchain infrastructure to democratize access, bolster transparency and protect personal data – features that may address some of the public's deepest concerns about current AI systems. 'This research makes it clear – there's strong public support for policies that both protect innovation and keep pace with where the world is headed,' said Julie Stitzel, Senior Vice President of Policy at DCG. 'Three-quarters of Americans agree that the transformative power of AI would benefit more people if it wasn't consolidated in the hands of a few major players.' This sentiment was especially pronounced among older Americans. More than half of the surveyed Baby Boomers (57%) favor decentralized AI, the highest percentage among any age group. Despite being the least likely to use AI tools, Boomers were most likely to perceive DeAI as beneficial (88%), trustworthy (85%) and more secure for personal data (82%). 'What stood out most in the findings is the clear correlation between AI knowledge and support for decentralization,' Stitzel added in a text response. 'The deeper Americans engage with AI, the more they recognize the need to decentralize its power, regardless of political affiliation. This reflects a broader desire for innovation that is open, secure and accountable. Just as we've seen with digital assets, the public is calling for systems that do not concentrate control in the hands of a few but instead widen access and trust through transparency.' Statistical highlights from the DCG sponsored survey of more than 2,000 participants comparing pros ... More and cons of centralized AI versus decentralized AI. While Americans are broadly optimistic about AI – 91% believe it will fuel technological innovation and 84% see benefits to productivity and healthcare – deep skepticism remains about who controls it. The poll found that 65% of respondents distrust elected officials to manage AI, and 46% say the same of Big Tech. Half of those surveyed believe Big Tech has too much influence over government AI policy. Meanwhile, 72% of respondents said they would be more inclined to use AI if there were viable alternatives to platforms developed by major tech companies. 'The public is calling for a new social contract with artificial intelligence: one where AI is governed openly, distributes value fairly, and gives people a meaningful stake in the systems that shape their lives,' said Tony Douglas, Co-Founder of the Decentralized Research Center said in a statement. 'Decentralization is no longer a fringe idea – it's a framework for building AI that reflects public values and a chance to avoid repeating the failures of the last tech era.' The strongest driver behind the DeAI preference appears to be personal data control. The survey revealed that 88% of Americans want more agency over how their information is used by AI. Seventy-four percent said they'd be more comfortable using AI if they could directly benefit from their data – through ownership, consent or compensation. More than 70% also see DeAI as more secure for personal data than centralized AI systems. That trust gap may explain why just 39% of Americans said they were confident tech companies use their data responsibly. Beyond privacy, DeAI was also perceived as better aligned with the public good across several dimensions: 75% found it more supportive of innovation, 71% said it was safer and 65% said it was less likely to be biased than centralized AI. 'This growing public readiness to embrace decentralized AI is a signal that the future of intelligence can and should be more inclusive, resilient and fair,' said Evan Malanga, Chief Revenue Officer at Yuma, a DCG subsidiary that supports DeAI startups. 'As awareness grows, so does the demand for systems that put individuals, not corporations, at the center. Protocols like Bittensor are already demonstrating what this can look like in practice, creating open networks where anyone can contribute to and benefit from AI. That kind of permissionless participation is what will unlock the next wave of innovation.' Released alongside DCG's recent policy fly-in event in Washington, D.C., the survey arrives as lawmakers continue grappling with AI regulation. During the two-day gathering, DCG and its portfolio companies – including Yuma, which supports DeAI subnet development on the Bittensor network – met with members of Congress and co-hosted a DeAI briefing with the bipartisan House Congressional Crypto Caucus. While 68% of Americans agree that AI should be regulated at the federal level, the data suggest they're looking for regulation that empowers, not restricts. Fifty-nine percent believe AI is becoming 'as essential as the internet' and should be accessible without heavy-handed rules. Meanwhile, 71% support policies ensuring the economic benefits of AI flow back into local communities. DeAI, with its decentralized control structures and token-based economies, could be a policy match. It not only reduces reliance on centralized servers and opaque algorithms but also aligns with voter demand for AI systems that benefit the public – not just platform owners or data brokers. Whether that future ends up more decentralized may depend less on technical superiority and more on whether policymakers heed what appears to be a growing public mandate: that the next generation of AI should be open, equitable and governed by the many – not the few.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
4 Dangers of Trying To Build Wealth Fast
A notable Harris Poll survey conducted in 2022 found that as many as six in 10 Americans want to become a billionaire — and around 44% believe they have the resources to do so (with crypto investors making up a large portion of that group). This increasingly common mindset might be more harmful than you think. As tempting as it is to build wealth quickly, it can be incredibly dangerous for your financial well-being. Be Aware: Consider This: Trying to earn money as fast as possible leaves you vulnerable to lifestyle creep, overinvesting your savings falling into debt and other risks. Here are four common dangers of building wealth too quickly and how you can avoid them. If you've ever felt like you can never earn enough, you might be succumbing to 'lifestyle creep.' This phenomenon occurs when someone suddenly has more expendable income than they're used to. Without a careful budget, it's easy to slip into the habit of spending more to keep up with what you see as an ideal lifestyle, whether it's a nice car, a bigger house or little things like more subscription services and meals out. One of the risks of trying to build wealth quickly is that even if you succeed in the short term, if you don't take steps to avoid lifestyle creep, whatever you earn will still not feel like enough. This can lead you to continue spending or gambling with your earnings rather than securely saving them for the future. Here are some tips to keep lifestyle creep from draining your income: Stick to a monthly budget that sets aside at least 20% of your earned income for savings. Take pride in living below your means. Set annual savings goals and try to exceed them. Avoid comparing your lifestyle to others', especially on social media. Read Next: If an opportunity seems too good to be true, chances are it is. Common get-rich-quick schemes you might encounter today include: Investment scams promising a high return Multi-level marketing (MLM) recruitment offers Work-from-home opportunities requiring little or no experience These opportunities may not immediately stand out as scams. They may also be perfectly legal. For example, multi-level marketing is a legitimate business structure despite the fact that as many as 99% of MLM participants lose money, according to Forbes. Dolling out risky investment advice on social media is also legal even if it's unfounded. To avoid falling for dangerous get-rich-quick schemes, you may need to adjust your expectations. Take some time to research every opportunity you come across. Remember, if it were really that easy to earn fast money, everyone would be doing it. When you're eager to earn, you may be tempted to invest everything you have instead of saving. Around half of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, meaning they don't have savings to fall back on in case of an emergency. Investing your money is almost always riskier than saving it. With no backup savings, a medical emergency or other unexpected cost could put you into serious debt, making it even harder to break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle. Instead of investing everything you can spare, aim for the 50-30-20 rule: 50% of your income should go to monthly needs, 30% to things you want — which may include stocks and other investments — and 20% should go to savings. That ratio serves as a general guideline and can be adjusted if your monthly costs account for more than 50% of your income. For example, a ratio of 75-15-10 can also help you save while slowly building wealth. How much money do you have to invest? It might be less than you think. Remember that all forms of investment come with some level of risk. Whether you're putting money into real estate, stocks or a business, if something goes wrong, you likely have no way of getting those funds back. That's why it's important to set an investment budget before you enter any financial venture. Draw a line between money you can invest and money you can't. Avoid gambling with: Money you need to pay a monthly bill. The 20% (or whatever ratio best suits your budget) that should be set aside for savings each month. Borrowed money. Money that could be used to pay down debt. More From GOBankingRates Surprising Items People Are Stocking Up On Before Tariff Pains Hit: Is It Smart? 6 Big Shakeups Coming to Social Security in 2025 This article originally appeared on 4 Dangers of Trying To Build Wealth Fast Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
